Archival Society Calendars On Sale

From Moats Sparkle Market to Tony’s Shoe Store to the Favorite News and Maurer-Wikel Dairy, the 2023 Vermilion Area Archival Society calendar features the “Places We Shopped – Part II”. Many of the establishments are long gone; others are still standing having undergone changes and facelifts.

Calendars are $5.00 each and are available at Brummer’s Chocolates, 672 Main Street and the Vermilion History Museum, 727 Grand Street in downtown Vermilion. They are also available my mail for $7.00 to cover postage. Make a check payable to the Vermilion Area Archival Society and mail to 5680 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, OH 44089.

Proceeds from the sale of the calendars are used to buy archival quality supplies to preserve Vermilion’s photos and artifacts.

Cold Water Boating Safety

While most Vermilion, Ohio boaters prefer to enjoy the summer months, winter boating is just as enjoyable but does have its own challenges. Water temperatures are dropping, and the threat of hypothermia is rising. Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature that is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Should a cold-water accident occur, make sure you’re prepared to survive an incident. It is important to remember that cold water will cool a body 25 times faster than cold air of the same temperature.

Falling into cold water is downright dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. If this event is to occur, there are distinct stages of reaction that the body will show. Failure to recognize these stages will lead to hypothermia. In the first 3-5 minutes of immersion, the body will go into cold shock. This means that the body will have an immediate gasp reflex. It is important to focus on keeping your head above water. In 3-30 minutes, the body will begin to experience swimming failure. It is after about 30 minutes that true hypothermia will set in. Something to remember during this traumatic event is to not remove any clothing or shoes. The air trapped between the layers of clothing will keep a person afloat and protect from direct exposure to cold water.

Be sure to inspect your boat often to make sure it is ready for the cold waters and wind. Freezing temperatures can make equipment on or inside the boat not function properly. This is also a concern for boat ramps. During freezing temperatures, be cautious that the ramps can develop a layer of ice, making it dangerous to launch or retrieve your boat.

When embarking upon a winter boating adventure, remember to dress to get wet. If you find yourself wet during the winter climate, you run the risk of hypothermia. It is strongly recommended that you always wear your personal floatation device (PFD), no matter the weather. Take the time to explore alternative options to your PFD such as a float coat, which has extra stuffing to keep you warm.

No matter what season you’re hitting the water, always be aware of the threats that are present and follow safe boating practices. If you prefer the warm season of boating, use this off-season time to take an Ohio Boating Education Course. It is also a great time to visit boat, sports, and travel shows to find new places to explore with your boat.

Winter Storm Tips

Mother Nature is always keeping us on our toes. With winter weather soon on its way, FirstEnergy wants you to be prepared for the cold months ahead. These tips will help ensure you’re ready when the wind whips and ice and snow accumulate.

Winter Storm Preparation Tips

• Prepare in advance of severe weather by having emergency supplies on hand:
• Fully charged cell phones, laptops and tablets.
• Car charger to charge devices if your power is out.
• Flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries.
• Hard-wired phone to report an outage or emergency. A plain, hard-wired phone can operate on power delivered through the phone line.
• Extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person.
• First-aid kit.
• Medications and other personal health items for each person.
• Emergency supply of bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
• Supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking. Don’t forget the can opener!

If you should lose power, manage through safely by following these tips:

• If you’re using a backup generator for emergency power, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use it safely.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. These appliances are well insulated, so food will keep for several hours if doors are closed as much as possible.
• Use a flashlight or battery-powered lantern for light. Use care when burning candles; open flames are a dangerous fire hazard.
• To safeguard your equipment and appliances – and to ease the initial load when power is restored – turn off or unplug televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, computers and appliances that use electric motors, such as refrigerators, freezers or air conditioners, until power is restored. Leave an incandescent light on so you know when the power comes back on.
• DO NOT use gas stoves, charcoal grills or other open-flame heat sources for warmth. Deadly carbon monoxide gas – which is odorless and invisible – may build up in your home without you realizing it.

Vermilion Ohio Dog Park

Treat your best friend to an hour or two at Vermilion, Ohio's private dog park. Book the spot through Sniffspot.com to enjoy a private dog park experience. The best experiences and fun for you and your dog, the 2 acre dog park is designed for the ultimate safe dog exercise.

Private Dog Park in Vermilion hosted by Good Dog Boarding & Training. Reservations required. Book your visit through Sniffspot! If you've never heard of Sniffspot, it's like Airbnb for dog parks! Come let your dog play safely without distractions and have the time of their life!

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Distraction free dog time

• Safe, private space to help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog.

Off leash enrichment

• Exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days.

Safe playdates

• Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise, it's safe and it's fun for you and your dog.

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• Property features a large, private dog park with meadow trails, grassy areas, benches, a fire ring and landscaping. Wildflowers mowed down in winter, creating one open space.
• Quiet, country setting conveniently located between Vermilion and Amherst.
• Poop stations, toys, water and treats provided.
• One family permitted at a time; there will be no other dogs or humans in the dog park during your visit.

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Learn More >

Easily book private play time in three simple clicks.

Join The Vermilion Chamber

The purpose of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce is to encourage and develop the intelligent participation of the citizens of the Vermilion community in all areas of community interest including civic, government, consumer service, education and recreation, health and sanitation, community development and beautification, trade and industry. The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce helps to plan and promote orderly community development in Vermilion, Ohio.

The Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing money saving discounts and other Value Added Benefits to its members. Through the Chamber's association with NOACC (Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce), businesses with current Chamber memberships can take advantage of many benefits at no additional expense. These special discounts can improve your bottom line, saving you both time and money.

Value Added Benefits include discounted rates for health benefits through BlueCross/Blue Shield; Workers Compensation discounts; credit card processing; free listings on the Chamber’s website with a link to your website; networking opportunities; and ribbon cuttings with picture ad on social media.

The Chamber represents the businesses and residents of the Greater Vermilion area throughout the state of Ohio through the Chamber’s affiliation with various organizations and groups. The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce is a member of: Ohio Festivals and Events Association; Lorain County Visitors Bureau; The Lorain County Chamber of Commerce; NOACC (North Ohio Area Chamber of Commerce); Erie County Economic Development Group; and Main Street Vermilion.

The Chamber works in collaboration with: The Friends of Harbourtown; the Ministerial Association; Erie County Chamber of Commerce; Ohio Chamber of Commerce; Main Street Vermilion; City of Vermilion; The Vermilion Photojournal; Lake ErieShores & Island; and Vermilion Salvation Army.

Call the Chamber at (440) 967-4477, email [email protected], or visit www.vermilionohio.com for more information.

Dog Daycare, Boarding & Training

Give your dog the best daycare experience ever...

Devoted, dedicated animal lovers are ready to pamper your small pooch while you're at work or away for the day. Good Dog Boarding & Training offers a fun, clean and safe environment with all the comforts of home and a large dog park. Book a one-time visit, or setup a regular schedule. Drop off your dogs at our deluxe Good Dog Doggy Daycare Center and know they'll get frequent potty breaks, lots of playtime, plenty of cuddling, and loads of love.

Doggy Daycare is great for:

• Puppies
• High-energy dogs
• Special needs dogs
• Senior dogs
• Dogs with separation anxiety
• Pet parents who work long hours

BOOK NOW

DOGGY BOARDING

We'll treat your dog like family...

Say goodbye to stressful kennels! Our Good Dog Guesthouse offers all the comforts of home with luxury accommodations and constant attention. Discover your dog’s home away from home with loving sitters, a spacious environment, a giant dog park and round-the-clock loving attention. We'll welcome your dog into our home when you're out of town—whether it’s just for a day, the weekend, several weeks or months.

Dog boarding is great for:

• Dogs of all ages and abilities, including puppies
• Pet parents looking for a safe, loving alternative to a kennel
• Dogs who love to socialize

Our Good Dog Doggy Daycare & Guesthouse are animal friendly, with animals having free range of the dog daycare building and four bedroom home. Animals are allowed on all furniture, including beds. The 2 acre property features a large fenced dog park, screen porch, sun room, multiple living areas, lots of dog furniture and toys, and is conveniently located near metro parks for off-site adventures.

BOOK NOW

CAT CARE

Luxurious accommodations for your feline family member...Cats are also welcomed at Good Dog Boarding & Training in Vermilion. Cats are safely housed in a separate, double luxury suite. Your feline family member will be treated like royalty. Litter boxes, cat furniture, scratching posts, toys and beds are all provided.

BOOK NOW

SCHEDULE A TOUR

• Schedule a free tour to make sure we're the perfect fit
• Stop by and visit our Little Doggy Daycare Center & Guesthouse
• Let your pup explore our Dog Park

SCHEDULE A TOUR

NO MORE CAGES OR LOUD KENNELS

• Loving care of your animals in a home environment
• Affordable, personalized pet care
• Meet your dog's perfect sitter before you book
• Receive daily photos and updates throughout your dog's stay
• Contact and message sitters by text or email
• Get a Report Card on your dog's stay

BOOK NOW

YOUR CLIENT PORTAL

Once you book a stay, you will receive an email confirmation and an online account will be created for you. Through the Client Portal, on your computer, tablet or mobile device, you can:

• Add information about your pets
• View your calendar
• Add information about yourself, your vet and emergency contact
• View your dog's Report Cards
• Request additional bookings
• Chat with sitters
• View and print your payment details

BOOK NOW

YOUR HOSTS

Whether you need small doggy day care for an hour, a day, or overnight...or dog boarding for a month...there’s a perfect match for you, your animals, and your lifestyle. Trusted, dedicated, vetted animal lovers, Gary and Bill offer dog and cat boarding, pet sitting, dog walking, doggy day care and animal transport. Located conveniently in a quiet country setting between Vermilion and Amherst Ohio, the property features a large guesthouse, a doggy daycare center, and a 2 acre dog park.

Gary and Bill have 25 years of experience volunteering and working with animals on a full time basis. Animals are their passion, and they enjoy nothing more than making them happy and content. Their animals, and yours, are family and friends. Their needs always come first. Gary and Bill work from home with very flexible hours, so animals are rarely ever left alone. They enjoy taking dogs for car rides, to the many nearby parks, for walks around town, and to restaurants and dog friendly businesses. They rotate visits between over 2 dozen parks so the dogs never get bored. When the weather doesn't cooperate, they take them to indoor dog friendly businesses like Lowes, Petsmart, Pet Supplies Plus, Tractor Supply, etc.

Their home and Good Dog Boarding & Training center are animal friendly, with animals having free range of the dog daycare building and four bedroom home. They are very clean, neat and organized. Animals are allowed on all furniture, and always sleep with Gary and Bill. Their 2 acre property was planned for dogs, with 1.5 acres fenced as a dog park. Outside of fenced areas, and on doggy outings, all animals are always kept on leash. They have years of experience with all varieties of dogs and cats, and are happy to care for special needs animals.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Oral Medication Administration
• First Aid/CPR
• Special Needs Dog Experience
• Injected Medication Administration
• Senior Dog Experience
• Can provide daily exercise

WHEN WE WATCH YOUR PET

• We love to interact with animals and will keep your's busy throughout the stay.
• We take dogs to nearby parks and provide a 2 acre dog park on our property.
• We send multiple daily photos and text updates that show how much fun your animals are having such as playing in the yard, cuddling, and going for hikes.
• Our goal is to give your animals the same experience they get at home, or one that's even better! We try to match their routines and throw in some extra fun to make the stay memorable.

LET US KNOW

• Please let us know about your animals' personalities, requirements, special needs, food and treat preferences, and any additional details that will help us keep your animals comfortable while in our care. You can enter and update this information in your client portal.
• Please provide us with current vet information, an emergency contact who can make decisions while you are away, and other important care information such as feeding instructions, bathroom routines, and exercise schedules.

ABOUT GOOD DOG BOARDING & TRAINING

• No children present
• Large fenced Dog Park
• Dogs allowed on furniture
• Dogs allowed on beds
• Doggy stairs for small and handicap dogs
• Potty breaks every 0-2 hours
• 3 resident dogs
• Cats are welcome too! (kept in separate area)

BOOK NOW

Join Main Street Vermilion

Main Street Vermilion works toward growing, bettering, promoting and making our town a wonderful place to visit, live and do business. You can join the Main Street movement through a variety of volunteer opportunities.

Main Street Vermilion works to support our downtown businesses through year-round marketing efforts and merchant-focused events. The organization hosts lively community-centered events, encourages historic preservation and keeps our downtown beautiful through on-going projects organized by various committees.

Since 2000, Main Street Vermilion, a part of the National Main Street movement, has promoted economic development, historic preservation and continues to work to create a sense of place in our downtown district to attract and retain businesses and entrepreneurs, visitors and residents. Main Street believes that our community is only as strong as our core, and the heartbeat of our success as a whole relies on the strength of our downtown.

The Main Street blueprint for downtown revitalization was developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which recognized a pattern of loss of historic commercial architecture and loss of community sense of history. To stop this trend, the trust (established in 1977) developed a model for downtown historic preservation, which encompasses a four-point approach that includes design, marketing, organization and business enhancement.

Over the past 35 years, the National Main Street Center has led the development of a national network of over 2,000 historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts: Main Street America™. The people who make up Main Street America are passionate advocates, dedicated volunteers, influential stakeholders and community organizers who work every day to turn the tide in their communities—catalyzing reinvestment, creating jobs, and fostering pride of place.

As a member of Heritage Ohio, Main Street Vermilion works through a 16-member volunteer Board of Directors. Much of what the organization does is accomplished by committees, hundreds of volunteers, organization partners and stakeholders, sponsors and donors.

Main Street Vermilion is a State and Nationally Accredited Main Street Program and a 501c3 not for profit organization.

Would you like to join in the movement? Learn more about Main Street Vermilion at www.mainstreetvermilion.org.

Operation Christmas Joy

History Of VOL Ballroom

In 1919 a group of investors from the Cleveland area purchased a wooded property with 600 feet of Lake Erie frontage in tiny “Vermilion-on-the-Lake”, Ohio. They cleared the land, and using the very logs they felled, built an approximately 10,000 square foot private community center known as the Vermilion-on-the-Lake Clubhouse.

The big bands of that era were soon accompanied by couples dancing on polished hardwood floors beneath a glittering globe. Those original hardwood floors, framed by the original log walls, are still there today. Soon, “Vermilion-on-the-Lake” became a summer playground and a sparkling jewel for well-to-do residents of western Cleveland.

These pre-Depression era high rollers purchased summer cottages throughout the area and shared access to the clubhouse’s 600-foot pristine and sandy beach. Ladies with parasols strolled the boardwalk of the “Atlantic City of the Midwest”. As late as the 1950’s, top-notch entertainment attracted society’s elite to the “V.O.L.” to see the big bands of the day, including the leading edge sounds of the “Chuck Berry Trio” performing their hit “Maybellene” one summer Tuesday night in 1955.

But, alas, the luster faded. Rising lake levels reclaimed the pristine beach, the economy turned sour and many lot owners looked to sell. Maintenance waned and the original owners agreed to deed the property over to the “Vermilion-on-the-Lake Lot Owners Association”.

During the 1960’s “Vermilion-on-the-Lake”, which had been an incorporated village, was annexed by the then “Village of Vermilion” to create the current “City of Vermilion”.

The VOL (Vermilion-on-the-Lake) Historic Community Center remains today one of the only wedding venue's still situated on Lake Erie's shore. The 'VOL CLubhouse', as it has been called, demands only modest rental fees which assist the effort to save and renovate this historic building.

The Vermilion-on-the-Lake Historic Community Center Charitable Trust is a non-profit corporation formed under the laws of the State of Ohio as a service organization. Besides the restoration and operation of the Historic Community Center, their mission includes community service, involvement in the security of the area through our "Block Watch" program, providing a venue for community fellowship and political discussion, and providing education to our citizens about the history and culture of our area.

Through an affiliation with the Lorain County Historical Society, they seek to emphasize the historic nature of this unique building and encourage the businesses and foundations tasked with preserving our heritage to lend a hand in restoring the Historic Community Center to its once glorious condition.

VOL Historic Community Center is located at 3780 Edgewater Blvd, Vermilion, Ohio 44089. Phone: (440) 967-4118.

Send A Letter To Santa

It’s time to let Santa know your Christmas wishes this year. Stop at Main Street Vermilion from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve and add your letter to the special mailbox on Main Street’s porch. Throughout the season, Main Street Vermilion will share a letter or two on Facebook (no names). All the letters received get packaged up on Christmas Eve, delivered to the Vermilion Post Office and sent straight to the North Pole. Promise!

Main Street Vermilion is located at 685 Main Street in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 963-0772 or visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org for more information.

Sled Raffle Benefits Art Scholarship

Artists from the Vermilion Arts Guild have transformed sleds into beautiful holiday decor to be raffled along with wonderful gift baskets. Raffle proceeds will raise funds for a student art scholarship.

Visit Main Street Vermilion in downtown Vermilion, 685 Main Street, to participate and view raffle items. Raffle tickets are $3 each or 2 for $5. Drawings will be held November 4, December 2 and December 18.

Seasonal Photo Shoot

Are you interested in sharing the joy of the season, encompassing this magical time of year, and capturing a memory? Visit Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion on December 6, 2022 to have a seasonal photo shoot! Anyone is welcome to reserve a spot, whether it's with your family, friends, furry companions, or just you!

Library staff will take your picture - choose from a selection of winter backdrops. You'll have the option to receive your photo electronically (via email) or as a matte 8x10 print. Digital files or prints will be available 1 week following the photoshoot.

Ritter Library will be offering this photoshoot at no cost. If you would like to offer a donation, Ritter will be collecting donations for Friendship Animal Protective League.

Spaces are limited - reserve a single 20-minute time slot for your group. To register, visit ritterpubliclibrary.org.

History Of Crystal Beach

Just east of downtown Vermilion on Rt. 6 on the north side of the road are an easily overlooked apartment complex, a gas station and a bank. On this acreage, as early as 1870 stood a picnic grove called Shadduck Lake Park. This pleasant grove became popular because the tree shaded area was accessible to horse-drawn buggies.

In 1906 George Blanchat purchased the park and named it Crystal Beach Park after his wife, Josephine's, description of the "crystal-like" sand on the beach. With rides and concessions added, Crystal Beach opened on Decoration Day, 1907. Along with the transition of ownership and name came other changes; even the square dancing gave way to the two-step. Some of the original buildings for the premier season were a pavilion for dancing and serving refreshments, a beer garden, a shooting gallery and a merry-go-round. Later bowling alleys, a toboggan slide into Lake Erie and a large restaurant were added.

Historical markers commemorate Crystal Beach Park at the north end of Nantucket Drive in Vermilion, Ohio. The markers are a collaborative effort of Crystal Shores Apartments and members of the family who used to operated the park.

Become A Friend Of Ritter

Friends of Ritter is Ritter Public Library's official volunteer group. Their mission is to promote reading and to support the library. They manage the annual and the ongoing book sales and host community events. The board meets every first Tuesday of the month. Guests are always welcome.

The Friends of Ritter Public Library are dedicated to focusing public attention on library services, facilities and needs; helping promote the use and enjoyment of the library; and developing supplemental funding for the library.

Every day, you can find dozens of gently used books – some right from the library shelves – for sale at the Friends’ ongoing book sale, located just inside the main entrance. An Annual Book Sale, held in June, features thousands of items.

The Annual Chocolate Festival is held in February during the town-wide Ice A-Fair.

Please consider joining the Friends! Print out and mail the form and a friend will contact you regarding your interest: https://ritterpubliclibrary.org/about-us/friends

Essentials Pantry Offers Free Essentials

The Essentials Pantry is a monthly pantry of essentials items - soap, shampoo, toilet paper, feminine hygiene items and more. Essentials Pantry is open every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 11 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm at First Baptist Church in Vermilion. 

Come get what you need, volunteer, or make a donation!

First Baptist Church is located at 6716 West River Road in Vermilion, Ohio.

Top Reasons To Go Local

Why buy local? By choosing local and independent businesses, you not only enjoy a more personal experience, you help:

BUILD COMMUNITY

The casual encounters you enjoy at neighborhood–scale businesses and the public spaces around them build relationships and community cohesiveness. They’re the ultimate social networking sites!

STRENGTHEN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY

Each dollar you spend at independent businesses returns 3 times more money to your local economy than one spent at a chain (almost 50 times more than buying from an online mega-retailer) — a benefit we all can bank on.

SHAPE OUR CHARACTER

Independent businesses help give your community its distinct personality.

YOU CAN BUY IT WHERE YOU TRY IT

Local stores enable you to try on and try out items before you buy — and get real expertise — saving your time and money.

CREATE A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT

Independent, community-serving businesses are people-sized. They typically consume less land, carry more locally-made products, locate closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution.

LOWER TAXES

More efficient land use and more central locations mean local businesses put less demand on our roads, sewers, and safety services. They also generate more tax revenue per sales dollar. The bottom line: a greater percentage of local independent businesses keeps your taxes lower.

GET REAL VALUE FOR YOURSELF

Reader surveys by the Consumers Union repeatedly show independent businesses beating their chain competitors in overall customer satisfaction (and they often save you money).

ENHANCE CHOICES

A wide variety of independent businesses, each serving their customers’ tastes, creates greater overall choice for all of us.

INCREASE WEALTH OF RESIDENTS

The multiplier effect created by spending locally generates lasting impact on the prosperity of local organizations and residents.

CREATE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Not only do independent businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue, they also are the customers of local printers, accountants, wholesalers, farms, attorneys, etc., expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Small businesses donate more than twice as much per sales dollar to local non-profits, events, and teams compared to big businesses.

ENHANCE LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Local ownership of business means residents with roots in the community are involved in key development decisions that shape our lives and local environment.

ENHANCE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS

Research shows a strong correlation between the percentage of small locally-owned firms and various indicators of personal and community health and vitality.

Vermilion's Ice A Fair

Experience a day of winter fun in downtown Vermilion with Ice A Fair on February 4, 2023 starting at 11 am. You’ll find glistening, custom-carved sculptures throughout walkable downtown. Stop and take a selfie next to your favorites.

Main Street Vermilion is happy to host Ice A Fair, its most popular one-day event that welcomes families, friends and neighbors to enjoy our Small Town on a Great Lake in the winter! Watch the magic happen artists from Elegant Ice Creations transforms block of ice into something spectacular during ice carving demos scheduled throughout the day in downtown Vermilion.

Our small business owners love Ice A Fair. Restaurants feature Ice A Fair specials including wintery cocktails and beers, chili and hearty menus for that fit the occasion and season.

The sky lights up when the sun goes down at Fire & Ice in the center of downtown, a traditional finale to the day’s events. A giant, skillfully carved chimney of ice stands in the center of downtown. Will the fire that burns inside topple the ice or will the melting ice douse the flames? Enjoy the suspense, beauty, and spectacular fire dancing performance all set to music for this amazing display.

Genealogy Resource Sharing Group

Every month, the Genealogy Resource Sharing Group meets at Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion to discuss resources and share tips. Bring your current project and your laptop and join in on the second floor. Library computers will also be available for use.

Ritter Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion. Visit ritterpubliclibrary.org for details. Call (440) 967-3798 for more information.

Volunteer At Second Harvest

Second Harvest is the regional nonprofit committed to fighting hunger. Working together with a vast network to acquire, gather, and distribute nutritious food, Second Harvest helps feed tens of thousands of people throughout Lorain, Erie, Huron and Crawford counties. For every $1 donated Second Harvest can provide 5 meals to those at risk for hunger.

Volunteers play an essential role in the operations of Second Harvest and they could not do what they do without the help of thousands of volunteers each year. Last year alone, volunteers donated over 14,800 hours of service and repacked more than 1 million pounds of food and grocery products, and packed thousands of backpacks, mobile food pantry boxes and senior food boxes.

Volunteer opportunities are available for groups up to 45 people and individuals in the Volunteer Work Center. Hours are available to fit every schedule from 10 am until 7:30 pm, Monday thru Thursday and the first Saturday of each month.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

• Repack: Sorting, inspecting, relabeling or repacking food in the Repack Room.
• BackPack, Senior & Mobile Food Pantry Boxes: Packing bags and boxes for distribution to families and children in the Clean Room.
• Office: Assist with filing, data entry, mailings and other administrative activities.
• Special Events / Projects: Support staff during events, activities, campaigns, mobile produce pantries, and food drives.

Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio is located at the new Nordson Food Distribution Center, 5510 Baumhart Road. Call (440) 960-2265 or visit https://www.secondharvestfoodbank.org/ for more information.

Walking Tour Of Captains' Homes

Vermilion was once known as the "Village of Lake Captains," and no other place has so many captains' homes in its historic district.

Vermilion was initially settled in the early 19th century and formed as a village in 1837. In 1840, the US Corps of Engineers finished building the tow piers at the mouth of the Vermilion which provided the depth builders needed to take boats into the lake. Thus began the "Golden Age of Ship Building" on the river, in tune with great demand for the shipping on the lakes. In a period of 36 years, 48 large lake schooners were built. Lumber, fish, sandstone, iron, and lime were major commodities at the time. The Captains of these vessels made Vermilion their choice as a homeport. As research continues, more Captains' homes are waiting to be discovered.

Captain Homes Tour

Please keep in mind that most of the captains' homes are private residences and not open to the public.

1. Captain Henry C. Leidheiser House, 566 Main Street, built 1890. Vernacular style.

2. Captain Fred S. Lawless House, 5604 Ferry Street, built 1902. Vernacular style.

3. Captain Charles A. Mattison House, 538 Main Street, built 1920. Craftsman style.

4. Captain Miles Thompson House, 485 Main Street, built 1830. Remodeled Greek Revival style.

5. Captain J.C. Gilchrist House, also known as Lakeside Inn, presently a Bed & Breakfast, 5662 Huron Street, built 1885. Italianate style.

6. Captain James F. Nolan House, 472 Washington Street, built 1911. Vernacular style.

7. Captain Alva Bradley House, Captain Alva Bradley House, 5679 Huron Street, built 1848. The captain was a good friend of Thomas Alva Edison. Greek Revival style.

8. Captain Charles Horton House, 5664 Ferry Street, built 1874. Gothic Revival style.

9. Captain George A. Bell Second House, 5790 Huron Street, built circa 1900. Vernacular style.

10. Captain Frank B. Parsons House, 5831 Huron Street, built circa 1915. Remodeled Vernacular style.

11. Captain Clifford H. Parsons House, 608 Decatur Street, built 1929. Vernacular style.

12. Captain Edwin R. Pelton House, 631 Decatur Street, built 1901. Queen Anne Style.

13. Captain Lewis Stone House, 5803 Liberty Avenue, built 1896. Vernacular style.

14. Captain Frederick Rae House, 690 Decatur Street, built circa 1870. Italianate style.

15. Captain Frederick Bailey House, 5775 Liberty Avenue, built 1911. Vernacular style.

16. Captain George A. Bell House, 5760 Liberty Avenue, built 1876, presently a Bed & Breakfast. Italianate style.

17. Captain William Young House, 5815 Ohio Street, built 1848, presently a Bed & Breakfast. Transitional Greek Revival style.

18. Captain Alva Bradley Second House, 751 Decatur Street, built circa 1870. Remodeled Stick style.

19. Captain Albert Meyer House, 756 Perry Street, built circa 1853. Captain Meyer was the master of the ill-fated “Western Reserve” which sank taking the lives of many Vermilion families. Italianate style.

20. Captain Leeds Weeks House, 5676 Ohio Street, built circa 1880. Queen Anne style.

21. Captain Peter G. Minch, 743 Grand Street, built 1857. Captain Minch was the owner of the ill- fated ship “Western Reserve”. Late Greek Revival with Italianate influence style.

22. Captain W.H. Gilchrist Sr. House, 5583 Ohio Street, built 1875. One of Vermilion’s few older brick buildings. Italianate style.

23. Captain William H. Moody, 792 Exchange Street, built 1903. Vernacular with Queen Anne influence style.

24. Captain Henry Walper House, 5475 South Street, built 1899. Queen Anne style.

25. Captain Charles Gegenheimer House, 910 Exchange Street, built circa 1898. Vernacular style.

26. Captain Frederick Hasenflue House, 5332 South Street, built 1907. Vernacular style.

27. Captain Peter Full House, 5118 South Street, built 1903. Remodeled Vernacular style.

28. Captain Cornelius Young House, 5231 South Street, built circa 1880. Vernacular style.

Prepared by the Vermilion Historic Register Committee of Main Street Vermilion.